Residents of Bakale in Kilgori district, Yabo Local Government Area, Sokoto State, have been reportedly ordered to pay N20 million to prevent attacks by terrorists.
An audio obtained by Daily Trust captures the leader of the group instructing the village head to gather residents for the announcement.
“Did you meet with them? Did they agree to obey your command?” the bandit leader asked. After receiving confirmation, he ordered a meeting to inform the villagers of the payment demand.
“We don’t want to attack you. That is why we decided to impose this levy. If you pay, I promise you will continue to live in peace,” he said, warning of dire consequences for non-compliance.
“We will not allow any group to attack your community or kidnap your people. But if you fail to pay, we will attack you, kill you, and abduct your people,” the audio revealed.
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A community leader, who requested anonymity, said several neighbouring villages have received similar directives. He listed affected communities, including Bazar, Alkalije, Gari, Bakale, Dagel, Adarawa, Kwaidaza, Kilgori Runji, Tudu, Tile, Kibiyare, and Barmadu.
According to the source, the demanded payments range between N3 million and N20 million, depending on the size of the settlement. He also said that six people were recently killed in Alkalije and four in Tile.
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